» First time to the studio? Plan to arrive 15 minutes early.
» All classes are open to beginners (or beginners to a specific style) unless indicated.
» A single, drop-in class costs $10 -$12. "Perfect Passes" are honored at all but natal classes.
» You may arrive as early as 15 minutes before class begins. (Door may be locked before then.)
» Please be on time to class.
» Mats are available for your use (no fee). Bring your own if you have one.
» Wear comfortable clothing and bring a waterbottle.
» For Bikram classes, bring a big towel and a washcloth.
» Have your body and clothing clean. Tobacco, perfumes or fragranced products (especially deodorants) affect the entire room.
» Yoga poses will feel better with an empty (or fairly empty) stomach.
» Class atmosphere is respectful and non-competitive.
» If you're pregnant, injured or have other health concerns, you may be able to practice. Consult the instructor.
» The benefits of yoga are cumulative; keep practicing with patience, commitment and self-respect.
» Call the instructor before you come if you have questions or want reassurance!
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This is a common question! Of course, you can. If you really want to change your flexibility, come to a few classes each week for a few weeks. It is very likely that your body will quickly show distinct differences, not only in flexibility, but strength and lung capacity as well. Everyone must start with their body exactly the way it is, so you only do as much of a pose as possible on any given day. Never be concerned with what someone else is able or unable to do. Each of us has had a life that has shaped us differently, mentally and physically.
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Have the instructor help to adapt the poses that are uncomfortable or inappropriate for the injured area. Even with an injury, the rest of your body still wants to move to keep joints lubricated, blood well circulated, and muscles and tendons stretched.
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Yoga is not becoming a pretzel, balancing on one foot. I do not believe that there is any person too out-of-shape to begin hatha yoga. Every pose has stages that need to be respected and utilized. You take as long as you need in each stage before progressing to the next. It is possible, however, that some styles/sequences of yoga may feel too challenging to start with. Choose a class that feels right for you. Accept that, if your body has lost vitality or you are carrying an inhibitive (by inhibitive, I mean inhibits comfortable, full range of movement) amount of weight that is overstressing your muscles and bones, beginning a restorative activity like yoga will be beneficial, but probably emotionally and physically intense. When I (Carla) began Bikram classes, I cried everyday because it was so confronting to what my mental/physical state was (which involved lots of comparing myself to others!) Yet, with continued commitment, I changed. (Courage is not lack of fear. It is action in the face of fear) You really are not too old/weak/fat/stiff to use yoga. Begin your yoga practice today, while you read this, with consciously directed deep breathing!
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Yoga is most effective done on a daily basis. Of course, many of us do not make time for that in our day. If you experience that it benefits you to practice once per week, continue! If you want pain relief, structural changes (posture, joint freedom, flexibility, etc.) or increased mental calm, you will need to practice more, minimum 3x per week. This may seem impossible, yet, if you can do it, it will make a difference to your life.
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